ag-outdoors

Population drives water use, and the population in the Arkansas River Basin will likely increase 80 percent by the year 2050. Even if all proposed water projects in the basin are developed, the supply will not meet the needs of growing cities, towns and industries.

A number of experts in water-related fields will discuss solutions to this issue at the Arkansas River Basin Water Forum April 27-28 in Salida.

Following the recent passing of Colorado Corn Administrative Committee (CCAC) President Charlie Bartlett, CCAC board members elected Doug Wilson as the new president with a unanimous vote this past week.

"We lost an incredible leader with Charlie's passing, but we will certainly make it a priority to carry forward with his innovative and forward-thinking spirit as we address the challenges facing agriculture, and as we make investments on behalf of Colorado's corn farmers," said Wilson, who farms near Olathe.

Bent-Prowers Cattle & Horse Growers Association's annual meeting, auction, banquet and cowboy ball will rotate to La Junta this weekend. Events are open to the agricultural community, with the majority of events being held at Inspiration Field.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife shares in the success reported March 31, 2016 by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA), on the status of the lesser prairie chicken. This report is the second since the implementation of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Range-wide Conservation Plan in 2014.

"The lesser prairie-chicken range-wide plan, because it's incentive based and voluntary, is the new model for conservation and the best alternative to listing species," said Bob Broscheid, CPW director and Colorado's representative to the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Council.

The application deadline for 2016 limited big game licenses, including deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bear, sheep and goat, is Tuesday, April 5. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has a variety of resources for hunters to complete their applications now. Costs vary based on species and residency status.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has posted a job announcement for a Division Director position that will focus the Division's efforts on coordinating, collaborating and cooperating with federal and state agencies in order to develop and implement positive relationships with Colorado farmers and ranchers particularly in public land use and range management. The Division also assists private landowners in conservation practices.